not too confident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not too confident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of uncertainty or lack of assurance about something. Example: "I am not too confident about my chances of winning the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

More than half express some level of confidence, but 21 percent are "not too" confident and 28 percent are "not at all" confident — the highest level of people not at all confident in the 23 years of the Retirement Confidence Survey.

The New York Times

"No, we were not too confident today," Hlavakova said.

The New York Times

"I'm not too confident that the process would actually work".

The New York Times

Max Baucus (D-Mont). is not too confident about the implementation of ObamaCare.

The Washington Post

He's not too confident with spoken English, and his Algerian French is apparently rather different from the Quebecois.

Independent

Being in a toxic peer network can be difficult to get out of if you're not too confident in your own skin yet.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

She wasn't too confident to start with, but her confidence grew.

BBC

She wasn't too confident to start with, but her confidence grew and, in the end, the lead dancer's absence didn't lessen my enjoyment at all.

BBC

"I wasn't too confident.

The New York Times - Sports

He wasn't too confident that he'd be able to rid me of the discomfort in my coccyx but was adamant that he could make a difference to other back pain I felt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I must admit, I wasn't too confident at the beginning of my PhD.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not too confident" when you want to express a moderate level of doubt or uncertainty without sounding overly negative or pessimistic.

Common error

Avoid using "not too confident" when a stronger expression of doubt or disbelief is required. In situations demanding clear conviction, opt for phrases like "highly skeptical" or "completely unconvinced" to convey the appropriate level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too confident" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject. It expresses a moderate level of uncertainty or a lack of complete assurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not too confident" serves as a useful tool for expressing moderate uncertainty across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in news, media, academic, and general sources. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid overstating uncertainty, maintaining clear communication. Alternative phrases such as "a bit uncertain" or "slightly doubtful" can add subtle nuances to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly doubtful

Highlights a minor reservation.

A bit uncertain

Indicates a mild degree of doubt.

Relatively unsure

Highlights comparative uncertainty.

Somewhat unassured

Implies a slight lack of confidence; more formal.

Kind of hesitant

Indicates a reluctance to proceed.

Not entirely convinced

Focuses on a lack of full persuasion.

Not completely positive

Implies a measured degree of uncertainty.

A little apprehensive

Suggests some anxiety or unease.

Not wholly optimistic

Emphasizes a tempered outlook.

Moderately skeptical

Suggests a balanced amount of doubt.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "not too confident"?

Being "not too confident" means you have some doubts or reservations about something, but you are not completely without hope or assurance. It's a middle ground between confidence and pessimism.

How can I use "not too confident" in a sentence?

You can use "not too confident" to express your uncertainty about a future outcome or your abilities. For example, "I'm not too confident that I will pass the exam."

What are some alternative phrases for "not too confident"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit uncertain", "slightly doubtful", or "somewhat unassured" depending on the context.

Is "not too confident" the same as "not confident at all"?

No, "not too confident" expresses a moderate lack of confidence, while "not confident at all" implies a complete lack of confidence. They represent different degrees of certainty.